first time I met poetry
it frightened me
into believing lyrical word sounds
possess power.
discovered it
was born in me,
could feel
it rumbling up through my voice.
poetry opened my eyes
to see,
it tuned my ears
to hear.
poetry empowered me to be—
to become
one more strong branch
growing out of that ancient Black Poet-
Tree.
Ubuntu*
(Zulu)
*A quality that includes the essential human virtues; compassion and humanity.
©2022